Joined by Beth and Tope, Steph opens up with a about recent UK Number 1 albums (7:56). The lack of attention drawn to albums from female rappers (15:46) and the leaders who push boundaries in the UK music scene (26:47). Opener (0:00): No Idea - Jbxnu Closers (52:39): Can't Stop It - The KTNA, Nirvana - Skepta ft J Balvin
Joined by Beth and Tope, Steph opens up with a brief discussion about performances during lockdown 3.0 (5:23). How we deal with our favourite musicians branching off into other fields (9:03) and the steps Bashy (Ashley Thomas) and Asher D (Ashley Walters) took to becoming established actors (34:10). Opener (0:00): Topshottas Freestyle - Potter Payper Closers (46:55): Rukas - Lex Amor, Dupé - Azekel
Akeem joins Steph to have a discussion on how their upbringing altered their taste in music (2:13), if black musicians thrive because the talent is undeniable (20:16) and what the future could look like with more underrepresented groups filling roles within music (31:10). Opener (0:00): Purpose - Potter Payper Closers (43:55): Can't Stop The Clocks - Bandokay (OFB)
Joined by Soraya, a marketing whizz & friend, Steph & Tope discuss Wireless 2021 and the fallout from a male dominated line-up (5:11) and whether women need to start their own platforms (20:32) Opener (0:00): Supersize - ShaSimone Closers (42:10): Martyrs - Wesley Joseph | Die Young - Villz
The gang is back together for the 21st episode and kick it off with a discussion about platforms like Colors and how they bring through new artists (3:28) and how soundcloud has been left behind by the new generation of listeners (12:15). Steph come up with an idea which could potentially change the Spotify experience (21:45). Let us know if you agree with him. Opener (1:03): Evil Eye (Colors) - Bellah Closers (39:39): Slippery - Phabo ft DESTIN CONRAD | Plugged In - Dsavv (OFB)
Steph is joined with a special guest Dami and look into the pros and cons of being a rapper or singer (10:04), if singers have to look a certain way to get a look in (16:16) and whether songwriters deserve more credit (33:37). Opener (2:43): Bobby & Rowdy - DC ft Knucks Closers (40:59): After OT Bop - NSG ft BackRoad Gee | No Drama - JVCK JAMES
Tiktok has been making an impact on the music industry for over 2 years, Tope & Bethany discuss the new video-sharing platform (05:38), the story behind the #2 song in the country 'Latest Trends' (15:01) and finally, what we're looking forward to once live music returns (24:55) Opener: Latest Trends - A1 x J1 Closers (35:13): Getaway - JVCK JAMES | Joyride (ándale) - JVCK JAMES
Episode 18 starts with a quick discussion about how Ghetts and Digga D did in the UK Charts (3:26). With the Megan & Harry interview taking over the news Steph, Tope and Bethany discuss any issues musicians face as an independent artist or a signed one (16:03) Opener: Kudos - Ka-Li Closers (52:20): Interruption - Tiana Blake | Supersize - ShaSimone
There's no introduction needed, this episode is dedicated to the legend, Ghetts. Tope, joined by Bethany, think back to the first time they heard Ghetts (02:45) and provide a review of his 3rd studio album - Conflict of Interest. Finally, they explore what music shaped their youth (22:25) Opener: Good Hearts ft. Aida Lae - Ghetts Closers (32:30): No Drama - Jvck James | Take Time - Shae Jacobs
Steph is joined by Bethany as they discuss the growth Digga D has shown as an artist (7:50) and how powerful black twitter can be (19:58). Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (02:35): Moon - Karl Benjamin Closers (37:58): Bringing It Back - Digga D, AJ Tracey
Steph is joined by Bethany as they discuss authenticity within music and if it matters to them (4:37) and whether WSTRN are limited due to the size of UK (19:23). Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (01:49): Shotti - Zaire Closers (34:41): Bad Girl - Paige Lihya | Intro - Teeway
Bethany joins Steph and Tope again for a discussion on the BBC Sound of 2021 (5:59), the rise of UK music across the world (24:15) and ending with a tiny debate on Drake influence on the UK rap scene (32:30). Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (03:33): Vinyl - BERWYN Closers (55:11): Real Deal - Maths Time Joy ft Sinéad Harnett & J. Warner | Eye for an Eye - Benny Banks
2020 has been a hell of a year! Steve and Tope enlisted the help of a special guest, Bethany, to help round up this year in music. We list our: - Artists of the Year (16:24) - Albums of the Year (30:45) - Biggest Winners (46:30) - 2021 Predictions (52:22) Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter, and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (02:45): Loading - Central Cee Closers (65:39): Once-Upon-A-Time - Jamilah Barry | Same Space? - Tiana Major9 | Shippüden - Blanco
After briefly discussing previous episodes song choices Steph and Tope begin this episode talking Drill and if it deserves its own category at the MOBOs (4:44). The conversation leads onto Chip's attempts to transition into the American market (20:39) and Kano's firm stance in the UK entertainment scene (26:33). The discussions end with opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine (35:48). Opener (2:28): Statements - Teeway Closers (47:13): Through Your Eyes - Marie Dahlstrom Ft Jeremy Passion | Blue Afternoons - MANIK MC, Natty Wylah
The UK Scene has been extremely chaotic over the last couple of weeks from Headie One & Tion, to Dutchavelli, to Octavian. This episode starts off with Steve & Tope sharing their thoughts on these recent events (08:48). Followed by Steve's thoughts on Loski's tape (32:50), and how Tope feels about Digga D and his BBC Documentary (39:02). Finally, they couldn't help but explore the MOBO nominations (45:00). Opener (03:14): Think About You (ft Haile) - Tiana Major9 Closers (57:35): Life So Deep (ft Emeli Sande) - Loski | On My Sleeve (ft Kaash Paige) - Scribz Riley